I pulled this 1987 loonie from the till a few weeks ago. It's a lot brighter and shinier than a typical loonie from the same time period. Also, lighter in colour. The weight is correct. There's a bit of crud at the top which may have been attached to something making me think this was used as a piece of jewelry. However, it's worn but still very shiny and a different color.

If we compare an UNC 1 dollar coin and a Circ. one, there's a difference with the color. If it's the same size, same weight, it's probably the same composition. You can try to scratch it to try to see the core.